2014 CMAST Summer Fellows Give Presentations

On August 1st, the 2014 CMAST Summer Fellows gave their final presentations to an enthusiastic audience. There were three Fellows this year who worked on a trio of interesting projects.

The CMAST Summer Fellows Program is a program for undergraduate students; in collaboration with a faculty advisor that matches their interests, each student: 1) identifies an independent study project addressing a current issue in marine science; 2) participates in research design, implementation, and effective presentation of research results; and 3) gains an understanding for the logistical challenges, ethical issues, and positive rewards surrounding marine science research.

Cameron Luck’s project was “Encysted Trematodes in the Stomach Linings of Weakfish from Pamlico Sound, NC: Frequency of Occurrence and Effect on Condition.” Cameron was mentored by Samantha Binion in Dr. Jeff Buckel’s laboratory.

Olivia Phillips’s project was “Understanding the Role of Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) inEstuaries as Natural Water Quality Enhancers.” Olivia was mentored by Seth Theuerkauf in Dr. Dave Eggleston’s laboratory.

Holly Modlin’s project was “Refrigerated Minced Ocean Clams Shelf Life Study.” Holly was mentored by Greg Bolton in Dr. Dave Green’s laboratory.

NC State University’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City, NC enthusiastically supports undergraduate research – providing students with opportunities to design projects and gain rewarding research experiences. In collaboration with a faculty advisor that matches their interests, each student will: 1) identify an independent study project addressing a current issue in marine science; 2) participate in research design, implementation, and effective presentation of research results; and 3) gain an understanding for the logistical challenges, ethical issues, and positive rewards surrounding marine science research.

Funding is provided through CMAST in support of  undergraduate students. The ten-week summer research program will begin late May through early August. Undergraduate students are selected based on expressed interest, coursework, academic standing, and recommendation letters.

Students selected for the fellowship are expected to submit a written summary of their research, as well as give a 15-minute oral presentation before their faculty mentors and invited guests during the last week of the 10-week program. The CMAST Summer Fellows Program is open to all students statewide at the university, college or community college level.